Artical 34 Explained
By J.A. Watts and G.D. Buss
To avoid unnecessary repetition, the only comments we need to make relative to this article is to reproduce the alternative wording which was prepared at the same time as the alternative wording for articles 32 and 33. This is as follows:
"We believe therefore that every exercise of a spiritual and saving nature is the effect of the new birth (John 3. 7), of being quickened into life from a state of desk in trespasses and sins (Eph. 2. 1; 1 Pet. 1. 23); and of being called by divine grace from the darkness of fallen nature into God's marvelous light (1 Pet. 2. 9; Col. 1. 13). Therefore to convey the brief (impression) that unregenerate persons possess independent power of themselves to close in with, and accept Christ saving week apart from the quickening grace and teaching of the holy spirit is untrue and is a doctrine to be rejected (John 15. 4, 5). And we also deny that we have scriptural warrant to take the expectations in the Old Testament intended for the Jews in national covenant with God and apply them in a spiritual and saving sense to unregenerate persons."
we repeat the hope expressed at the end of our comments on article 33, that this alternative wording, together with the additional Scripture references, will be helpful to our readers.
It is recognize of course, that no articles of faith formulated by man can be perfect, but we believe there is nothing in the substance of our "Added Articles" which is not in harmony with Bible truths.